RAHIM YAR KHAN: The growing presence of counterfeit pesticides and substandard liquid fertilizer manufacturing and packaging plants in the district has become a constant threat to the crops of farmers who unknowingly purchase these inferior products based on exaggerated claims made by dealers.

In response to this concerning issue, the district administration, in coordination with the agriculture department and special branch police, has initiated a phased campaign against these fake pesticide and fertilizer manufacturing and packaging units, leading to crackdowns on several plants.

Assistant Commissioner Zafar Waqas, along with Deputy Director of Agriculture Haseeb Akbar, special branch police, and other officers, conducted raids on Four Seasons Chemicals, Leaders AG Chemicals, Kissan Mills, and Zahb Chemicals and Distributers. During the inspections and sampling, the team discovered numerous violations in the packaging and manufacturing processes of pesticides and liquid fertilizers at a plant located on Mao Mubarak Road near Chowk Suraile. The plant lacked a proper laboratory and packing machinery in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Sources within the special branch police allege that the inspection team failed to take any action against a particular plant due to pressure from influential figures associated with the Rahim Yar Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RYKCCI). Similarly, on June 11, the inspection team raided a pesticides manufacturing plant near Taranda Sawaye Khan based on information from the special branch. It was found that the owner was allegedly involved in the production and sale of counterfeit pesticides. A significant quantity of substandard chemicals used in the production of these pesticides was confiscated by the team. After sampling, the plant was sealed, and a letter was dispatched to the relevant department to initiate action against the owner.

An anonymous officer in the agriculture department revealed that many units engage in the manufacturing of counterfeit pesticides and fertilizers due to the absence of proper regulatory authorities. These people import pesticides in large drums through prominent private firms and then dilute and repackage them in smaller bottles in their own plants. Additionally, these plants are involved in the preparation of liquid fertilizers, including urea, potash, buran, zinc, and humic acid.

The officer said that some officials in the agriculture department only collect samples but fail to send them for analysis at government laboratories. Shockingly, a manufacturer who was previously sentenced to 11 months of imprisonment for such practices has resumed his illicit activities.

A farmer from Sheikh Wahan, Jam Akbar, shared his experience of purchasing fertilizers directly from a factory last year, resulting in the leaves of his cotton crop falling off.

Meanwhile, the Pesticides Dealers Association (PDA) staged protests in Khanpur and Rahim Yar Khan, expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s behaviour, which they deemed crucial, illegal, and disrespectful.

PDA leaders Atiqur Rehman, Mian Rasheed Ahmed, and Nayyar Adrees stated that pesticides dealers operate their businesses transparently, following government rules and regulations. However, they claimed that these dealers are not only subjected to disrespectful treatment but also face unwarranted harassment. The PDA condemned these practices by the government and announced that their protests would continue until their demands are met.

Despite attempts to contact him, Deputy Director of Agriculture Haseeb Akbar did not respond to inquiries from this correspondent regarding his stance on the matter.

Assistant Commissioner Waqas Zafar informed Dawn that the inspection team is consistently monitoring and raiding various factories, units, and warehouses involved in the production and distribution of fake pesticides and fertilizers. He affirmed his commitment to take strict action against anyone engaged in the illicit manufacturing or packaging of counterfeit products.

He denied any claims of pressure from influential figures associated with RYKCCI to spare a liquid fertilizer unit.

Mr Zafar assured this correspondent that he would provide all the details of his successful raids and activities to this correspondent.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2023

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